In order to get a job as a close protection officer you need to have a front line SIA Close Protection Licence. Before you can apply for one you have to obtain a level 3 close protection certificate awarded by one of the 4 bodies endorsed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Close protection courses by different approved providers can prepare you to get the required training for the licence.

This site offers you advice and help in finding the right close protection course for you in the UK as well as overseas.

Close protection courses may vary course-by course, however they usually include the below skills. It is expected from the student to take lessons from a various basic subjects, so the content of the course has to cover for example legal knowhow, operational training and people management skills. The development of these knowledge and skills is essential to become an all rounded close protection officer.

What skills can you master with most courses?

• Threat and Risk Assessment
• Surveillance Awareness
• Operational Planning
• Law and Legislation
• Interpersonal Skills
• Close Protection Teamwork
• Reconnaissance
• Close Protection Foot Techniques
• Route Selection
• Use of Close Protection Vehicle Techniques
• Search Procedures
• Incidents and Dilemmas
• Venue-Based Security
• Communication and Conflict Management Skills

In the field of close protection training is regulated, provided and qualifications are awarded by different organisations. So how does it work and who does what?

The SIA (Security Industry Authority) sets and specifies qualifications and defines skills that are required for a licence. It does not provide any close protection training, nor deals with awarding qualifications. The SIA endorses regulatory authorities and licence awarding organisations as well as holds responsibility for the overall quality assurance of the licensing process.

The qualification regulation authorities set the standards and accredit qualifications.

The awarding organisations develop qualifications and also operate the examination system. These organisations also approve the training and assessment centres, who deliver close protection training courses and other security training courses.

On this page you will find more information about close protection jobs.

Here you can find some useful links to various recruitment websites that specialize in the recruitment of operators within close protection jobs:

http://www.securityclearedjobs.com/

https://jobs.un.org/Galaxy/Release3/vacancy/vacancy.aspx?lang=1200

http://jobs.undp.org/

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/res.nsf/doc212?OpenForm

http://www.policingsolutions.co.uk

http://www.g4spsd.com/home/home.asp

http://www.police-jobs.co.uk/content_static/home.asp